94 Lily and Water-Lily.

faith in these old folks’ tales. They’re nonsense.
If Farmer Duplessis’ heifer fell over the precipices of
Jaman, it was not because the fairies were offended
and ceased to protect the cattle; it was because their
herder was a coward.”

The red leapt once more to Michael’s cheek, but
Salome only grew a little paler, and set her lips more
tightly.

“Ay, the young mistress has but served him out
his deserts,” cried another.

But Mother Falaise made reply, “Come, lad, never
stand there dumfounded,” cried she, gaily. “Whether
Mistress Judith does or not, / believe in the old tales,
and if one is true, so may another be. Say the
milk was poisoned by some cowardly hand of jealous
maiden or envious youth ”—and the dame glanced at
the handsome couple and then at the flushed and
‘angry face of the spiteful Judith—“ thou hast no need
to take the name of coward so quietly for all that.
Come, let me show thee a way to give them all the lie.
I warrant—hunter or. no hunter, hero or no hero—